ley

adache pounded in my temples. Shaun's worried fac

filled my view. "De

forts of my bedroom. A mix of relief and lon

. "Denaley!" He enveloped me in a tight hug,

hisper trembled with longing, desperately clinging

have to accept what happened." S

fiantly, refusing

he still loves me. He'll believe me. He's

gainst the bed's headboard. My throat felt dry and scr

he silence. "The doctor said

es of Victoria and Liana's scath

ed me, and James fell for their lies." My voice

naley. You must return and take your rightful place

rything for him," I whispered, "entrusting our company to you

st speak with James. Just once." Their exchanged glan

smile warmly enveloped Liana, her giggling gaze locked on h

y weakness. "That's not true!" I insisted, struggling

ce enveloped me, squeezing tightly. Tears of joy brimmed i

ed me with memories of Mom and Dad. After their passing, Mr. and Mr

s. We should've protected you better. If only we

le?" I tried to change th

on business. Meanwhile, I've instructed the maids to prepa

nd support wrapped around me like a warm blanket

a seat. I settled into the plush couc

ou to take over your parents' company. What happened to you weighs heavily on us. As your only living relatives, we couldn't live

ight Denaley," Shaun's words faded into the background as t

, taking a bite. But before I could swallow, a wave of nausea crashed over me. I leapt from the table

etheart, are you okay?" I grasped the sink, steadying myself as dizz

"Shien's calling the doctor, Denale

orching forehead. "You're burning up,"

tender care, he laid me on the bed, wrapping a soft blanket around me. Aunt Kathy's

nt Kathy held my h

But my mind betrayed me, drifting back to James and Liana. Are

. "Hello, Denaley. I'm Dr. Lee. Let's see how you're doing." His calm demeanor off

as he moved closer. "Please, Doctor, examine

y, can you describe your symptoms? When did they

in, Doctor. I got soaked." But Dr. Lee's discer

your last menstrual period, Denaley?" he asked cal

ained neutral, but Aunt Kathy's eyes widened with anticipation. "Take this, Denaley,"

ve pregnancy test. My trembling hands covered my mouth, sti

pregnant." Aunt Kathy's eyes widened, and Dr. Lee'

rest, nutrition and stress avoidance. Schedule a follow-up for next week." With a rea

My smile couldn't hide my excitement. We'd dreamed of star

n," I told Shaun while h

ntly, concerned about etching his features. I shook my h

g with a mix of exhilaration and trepidation. "I have to

Denaley, you need to rest for now." I nodded reluctantly, snuggling b

d softly, exchanging a knowing glance with Sha

minder of the life-changing news. A mix of emotions swirled within

derly cradling my belly. A warm smile spread a

Reuniting with James and building a life together,

he loves me too. He